as in stiff
incapable of or highly resistant to bending
stiffened corpses an old-fashioned dress with a stiffened lace collar
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in strengthened
to make more harsh, uncompromising, or severe
plans to further stiffen the already onerous requirements for admission to the elite military unit
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stiffened
Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
Outrage from the left about that maneuver stiffened Democratic spirits for a confrontation in the fall.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 31 Dec. 2025
Michael Carroll’s son stiffened — a cold jolt running through him — when his shovel struck what looked like rags and bones in the basement on Halloween eve 2018.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 13 Dec. 2025
Here, it is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, and the suspension has been stiffened a little for a sportier feel.
—Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 8 Dec. 2025
The Broncos' defense stiffened in the fourth quarter yet again, but finally bent at the end of regulation in surrendering a game-tying field-goal drive.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 1 Dec. 2025
New Mexico moved methodically downfield with the opening possession, using half the first quarter before the SDSU defense stiffened and limited the Lobos to a 37-yard field goal.
—Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Nov. 2025
Drew stiffened as Theo Wiggins headed his way.
—Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025
McDaniel made the point that the Dolphins’ defensive line and run defense stiffened somewhat after struggling badly on the first drive.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
As the Timberwolves’ defense stiffened, their shots finally started falling.
—Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
Outrage from the left about that maneuver stiffened Democratic spirits for a confrontation in the fall.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 31 Dec. 2025
Michael Carroll’s son stiffened — a cold jolt running through him — when his shovel struck what looked like rags and bones in the basement on Halloween eve 2018.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 13 Dec. 2025
Here, it is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, and the suspension has been stiffened a little for a sportier feel.
—Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 8 Dec. 2025
The Broncos' defense stiffened in the fourth quarter yet again, but finally bent at the end of regulation in surrendering a game-tying field-goal drive.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 1 Dec. 2025
New Mexico moved methodically downfield with the opening possession, using half the first quarter before the SDSU defense stiffened and limited the Lobos to a 37-yard field goal.
—Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Nov. 2025
Drew stiffened as Theo Wiggins headed his way.
—Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025
McDaniel made the point that the Dolphins’ defensive line and run defense stiffened somewhat after struggling badly on the first drive.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stiffened
Adjective
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Instead of a stiff loafer, a comfortable, stylish alternative is a pair of slip-on moccasins like these from Artisure.—
Lane Nieset,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Feb. 2026
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Don’t forget to provide extra help getting up there if your cat is older or has achy, stiff joints.—
Cody Godwin,
USA Today,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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These traces of self-sufficiency only strengthened the couple’s determination to preserve the site’s history.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Gabe’s path into financial planning took shape through varied experiences that strengthened his understanding of complex systems and real-world decision-making.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The mechanical layout provides sufficient reach and flexibility to manipulate soft materials, which is significantly more challenging than handling rigid objects, reports Techeblog.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Feb. 2026
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If the plan is to adorn the tank with hiding places or other interactive pieces, steer clear of sharp or rigid objects.—
Sierra Leone Starks,
Parents,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Next, environmentally friendly chemicals convert the rare earths from solid to liquid form, allowing selective separation.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Feb. 2026
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Instead of focusing on common gases like water vapor or carbon monoxide, the scientists searched for sulfur-bearing molecules — elements that typically begin as solid grains in a young protoplanetary disk and thus suggest the planet formed through core accretion, according to the statement.—
Samantha Mathewson,
Space.com,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stiffened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stiffened. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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